Accident
On 2 August 2010 at 0930 UTC, a Europa XS aircraft, registration G-IRON, was involved in an accident at Wildfields Farm, Guildford, Surrey. The flight was conducted under a Private Pilot's Licence. The pilot and one passenger were on board; both reported no injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to its propeller blades, fuselage, and wingtip.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Europa XS, manufactured in 2005, powered by one Rotax 914-UL piston engine. The pilot, aged 64, held a Private Pilot's Licence with a total flying experience of 818 hours, of which 148 hours were on the type. In the preceding 90 days, the pilot had flown 13 hours, with 11 hours in the last 28 days.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's report submitted via the Aircraft Accident Report Form, the aircraft touched down further along the landing strip than planned. The pilot elected to go around. During the climb-out, a wingtip clipped a tree, and the aircraft landed heavily in the next field. The pilot considered that the wind had dropped, increasing the landing distance required.